High Gas Costs Are Pushing Some Drivers to Run Near Empty: 6 Costly Habits AAA Says to Avoid

Drivers who avoid empty-tank habits, reduce idling, and maintain tire pressure can cut fuel waste and improve efficiency. AAA warns that small driving mistakes often lead to bigger repair and fuel costs over time – Shutterstock

Rising fuel prices continue to squeeze everyday budgets and reshape how people drive, plan trips, and manage vehicles. Many drivers now stretch every mile, sometimes pushing risky habits just to delay a stop at the pump. AAA highlights several behaviors that often backfire and lead to higher costs, unexpected breakdowns, and unnecessary stress. These habits may feel harmless in the moment, but they quietly drain money over time. Smarter driving choices help protect both wallets and vehicles in a time when fuel prices already feel unpredictable.

Fuel decisions often come down to timing, awareness, and small habits that build up over time. AAA emphasizes that quick fixes or “stretch it a little further” thinking usually leads to bigger expenses later. Drivers who adjust routines early avoid emergency stops, towing fees, and avoidable repairs. Small changes in behavior can shift fuel spending in a noticeable way over weeks and months.